As another Thursday rolls around, we bring to you another GRAS Scholar Throwback. Katrina Martin was a scholarship recipient from 2016.

Here is a look at what Katrina has been up to since graduating.

What has your professional journey looked like since winning your GRAS scholarship?
“Since receiving the GRAS scholarship I have achieved an associate diploma in agriculture and have continued to peruse my passion for agriculture ! Following graduation in 2018 I was offered a position at Clean Field Services in Drayton as a crop scout. This job gave me an opportunity put to practice skills I learned in school such as weed identification, soil sampling/analysis and plant staging. I have walked many fields in Wellington county and helped monitor crop production. Most recently I have returned home to my family dairy farm in order to take more responsibility and prepare for an upcoming wedding! “

Do you have any personal highlights you would like to share?
“Personal highlight, after graduation I did not see myself working in the crop production however I was exposed to other aspects of the industry during my time at school and am proud of myself for pursuing a job beyond my comfort zone of dairy. This industry has so much to offer!”

Do you have any ongoing connections to GRAS?
“On going connection to GRAS – I am on WDPC and have had the privilege of taking part in the Pizza Perfect event, educating school children about dairy farm practices and and production of dairy products. I love being an advocate and sharing my passion.”

What did receiving a scholarship mean to you? 
“What did receiving the scholarship mean to me – I felt very honoured to be recognized as a young lady with a passion for agriculture. It meant a lot to know that the society was supporting my passion. It’s rewarding to be recognized for pursuing an industry that is so essential to feeding the world!”

Thanks for the update Katrina and we hope to see you back in 2021 for another Pizza Perfect event. Since its inception in 2006, the Scholarship and Bursary Program has awarded $216,500 to 118 students. For updates on more of our past scholars follow us on Facebook @GrandRiverAg.

If you know a student with a permanent residence in Wellington County, Perth County or the Region of Waterloo who is currently enrolled in a college or university with an agricultural or environmentally focused program they can apply for a scholarship of up to $2,500.